He plays Dr. Bruce Banner in the summer blockbuster “The Avengers” – and he is the third actor to play the doctor and his raging alter-ego, the Hulk. His name is Mark Ruffalo and he’s got some pretty big shoes to fill – literally and figuratively.

Ruffalo, in this scene from “The Avengers,” is probably best known for his supporting actor role (opposite Leonardo DiCaprio) in Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island.” (Walt Disney Studios)

“Hulk Smash Box Office!”
Ruffalo replaced actor Edward Norton, who was originally cast to play The Incredible Hulk (Norton’s difficult demands apparently cost him the role). It has turned out to be a career-maker for Ruffalo, who just signed a six-picture deal to play the hulking green giant.

After ”The Avengers,” Mark Ruffalo will appear as the Hulk in five more films, according to insiders. Two of those are Avengers sequels and at least one will be a Hulk movie that he will star in (plus we also expect him to show up in “Iron Man 3″).

Before Ruffalo was cast as the not-so-jolly green giant, Joaquin Phoenix (“Walk the Line”) was being considered for the part.

Ruffalo, who was interviewed at the premiere for “The Avengers,” described Bruce Banner’s alter ego as ”a loose cannon – he’s the teammate none of them are sure they want. It’s like throwing a grenade into the middle of the group and hoping it turns out well!” He’s also called the famous Marvel character “my generation’s Hamlet.”

When asked about the talents of “Avengers” director/co-writer Joss Whedon, the actor had this to say: “I was so impressed and blown away by how much he packs into this movie and how exciting it is and what a great ride it is, and how it just works on every level.” And work it does; early reviews for “The Avengers” are calling it one of the best superhero movies to date.

Ruffalo also provided the motion capture for the face and body movements of the Hulk – while Lou Ferrigno (who played the Hulk in the 1970s television show) will provide the Hulk’s voice. As you can see, Ruffalo’s facial likeness comes through amazingly. (Walt Disney Studios)

Bringing Monsters to Life
It’s not only great Hollywood visual effects artists who bring creatures like the Hulk to life. Actors like Ruffalo learn how to act through years of dedicated training. Ruffalo has definitely honed his craft and it shows both in the character of Dr. Banner and the computer-generated Hulk. What do you think of Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk?